Tag: shoes

Thrift shopping for shoes can be fun. I mean, nothing beats finding a pair of designer shoes for 7 bucks. With that being said, this exact thing happened to me this week. I took a random trip to the Goodwill Store on 89th street the other day.

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@PlanetBrandee Plaid for YOUR LIFE!

Yes, it says Plaid for YOUR LIFE! So that probably means we’re diving into patterned drama and serving up Sherlock Holmes Scotland Detective realness. But plaid has a history, here as noted via Bustle: “Though many of us may want to impose a plaid embargo on our most hipster-adjacent friends, tartan was actually literally forbidden in Britain during the 18th century. The fabric’s rebel uniform association with the Scottish Rebellion of 1745 against the union of Scotland and England, making tartan prohibited in the country for nearly half a century under the Dress Act. The print didn’t really resurface again until 1782, when plaid became legal, and it became in vogue to wear plaid gowns to formal occasions.”

Wait, so this isn’t just for mason-jar, kombucha-drinking hipsters? YES! Grab your shopping bags. Let’s get “renegade” in plaid with our three fav sections of Goodwill: house wares AND Clothes/Shoes.

HOUSEWARES for your LIFE:

Plaid is one of those kitchsy houseware patterns (plastic geese anyone?!) that can be simultarously super cute AND super blech. So be mindful when you curate. Classic thermoses on EBay are going for big change dollar these days. So mix it up with a Goodwill sourced plastic house ware or the unbreakable melamine from the 70’s. And plaid throw blankets? Hello: timeless!

CLOTHES and SHOES for DAYS:

I am just going to leave you with this little #fashion mantra: Plaid NEVER dies! Seriously, it’s in capelets, ponchos, galoshes, you name it. And I’ve trekked everywhere in NYC and across the country, and this recessionista was never surprised to see whether it’s SOHO or South Boise, plaid lives on. Score a sweet blazer in the menswear department and tailor it to nip the waist. Excellent!

So in closing: What’s your #plaiddream? Is it a tablecloth under your holiday party ware? Maybe a swinging 60’s cocktail dress? Send us your pics and share comments below until next time, see you on the streets!

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We’ve already hit mid-September! (How, exactly, did that happen so quickly?) The first official day of fall is still about a week away, but the weather is already changing – cooler nights, breezier days, and some grayer, rainier afternoons mean it’s already time to start mixing in those autumn basics and beloved pieces from previous years.

Borrow from student styles of yore. Yes, it is important (I honestly can’t stress how important), to dress appropriately for your age. There is, however, nothing wrong with borrowing from a previous generation’s trends or putting a chicer twist on a style someone younger than you is rocking – which is exactly why I am totally in love with these crazy-cute loafers I recently spotted at my local Goodwill thrift shop. They’re the perfect fall piece for any younger lady who’s no longer of school age, but isn’t anywhere near getting into grandma territory. They’re classic, comfy, and not super feminine – but they’re easy to wear with everything from super-girly dresses to more masculine suits and separates. They toy with the idea of retro, back-to-school fashion, but the sporty fringe and tassels are fun and reminiscent of golf shoes. These brown leather stunners, however, look nothing like an old man’s favorite shoe – the detailing over the tops of the toes give these flats a polished and ladylike air that’s sure to look spectacular with any number of outfits.

Androgynously chic, these cool shoes play off the differences between masculine and feminine to create a very distinctive and totally one-of-a-kind addition to your fall wardrobe.

Easy to work in every way. These sweet and chic shoes don’t need much else to look fantastic, and they’ll easily pair with any number of pieces and styles. The best thing to do is to keep it simple, so that these understated (but totally sophisticated) shoes can really stand out. Try them on with a pair of perfectly fitting jeans and a traditional – but always flattering – white tee-shirt. Or, keep a more formal ensemble from looking too prim and boring by tossing them on with a sure-to-impress pinstripe suit or subtly patterned blazer and button-down. Whatever you choose, keep it classic, simple, and fit to your body – with such an unassuming, but always-in-style backdrop of classic pieces, these sweet shoes are sure to take center stage – and make you look absolutely fabulous in the process.

Walk the line between masculine and feminine with fun, funky flats with a borrowed-from-the-boys feel and androgynous but form-fitting and figure-flatting classic items from your wardrobe.

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Lauren Haslett writes “Goodwill Gems,” our weekly column about everything accessories here in A Good Look. She is a lover of fabulous fashion, a trained chef and a writer. Follow her on twitter.

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@PlanetBrandee LIVE from Long Island!

Yes, it says live from Long Island! Sure, it’s not a far flung or exotic locale, but it is in fact, where this lucky shopper and many others happened to be at the Grand Re-opening of the latest Goodwill store! Located at 1900 Jericho Turnpike in East Northport, the new store was bright and airy, and dangerously filled with SO much thrifting swag I had to take a car home. It was THAT serious! PlanetBrandee was on the scene, helping local talent get their thrift fix on. This lucky shopper below had scored a perfect Ann Taylor tunic dress in shifty poplin for only $19.99, an absolute steal that had me lining my own bags with a similar Loft dress in cozy schlub knit earl grey tones.

HOUSEWARES for your LIFE!

Maybe I’m getting old, (what like you’re timeless lol?!), but I am really into stoneware and copper lately. And perched on the second shelf at eye level was a breathtaking handmade, (and signed!), earthenware vase. That and some fabulous pre-decorated votives lined with gold lace are now the latest members of my DIY wedding ensem! (And yes, I *promise* more on that later!).

CLOTHES and SHOES for DAYS!

I am just going to leave you with this: there is literally NO where else I have ever found mint condition Cole Haan leather loafers in spotless wear for only $30.00. Nowhere I tell you! And I’ve trekked everywhere in NYC and across the country, and this recessionista was beyond the moon at the shoe department here! Not only did I get a chance to help pick the best kicks for our lucky customers, (do you SEE these heels ladies! Orig $500 going for $30 WHAT!), but I also scored loafers AND these incredible gold tone pineapple slip on flips! Absolutely gorgeous and ideal for these lazy, long last days of summer!

So in closing: what a FAB store re-opening and what a brill shopping spree! From my windowsill to the wall and even down to my shoe rack, each room now has a gorgeous addition thanks to the killer shelves and curation of the Goodwill team at Northport. Needless to say, I’m already excited for the Union Square opening coming up in September! Right in the heart of the city AND great shopping? Please. Sign me UP and hope to see you at the racks!

While that may once have been the rule, those guidelines have become more than a little outdated in 2015. Sequins and glitter can be worn at pretty much any time of day, any day of the week, as long as you do it right.

This week’s completely fabulous find is one of those sparkling accessories that you can easily take from day to night. These sweet sneakers are casual enough to still seem appropriate for daytime, but fun and funky enough to look cool alongside your favorite weekend looks and going out attire. Flat and easy on your feet, these are shoes you’ll soon want to wear absolutely everywhere. And the slate gray color is classy and will work well with any number of other colors, so you can pair these pretty shoes with your already-existing wardrobe more easily than you might think!

A fresh new pair of fancy, sparkling shoes can give any outfit a much-needed style boost. And these glittering sneakers are both fun and fresh, and casual enough to pair with easy, everyday looks.

Jazz up a classic look—with sparkles! You can never go wrong with a classy, timeless, black-and-white ensemble—whether it’s summer, winter, or fall, if you’re choosing pieces in that classic color combo, you’re always going to look perfectly polished and ready for anything. But black and white, as beautiful as it is, can still sometimes use a funky, modern boost to really take it to the next level. This week’s gorgeous Goodwill find—a pair of seriously sparkly gray sneakers—is the perfect accessory to add a modern twist to a more traditional look, like the one I’ve chosen here. A basic, sleeveless white tee is (or should be) every girl’s go-to summer top, and I’ve paired one here with some cute, trendy black trousers in a loose, jogger cut. The use of black and white is timeless, but the cut of the pants and the addition of the sparkly sneakers give this outfit a cutting-edge twist.

It’s easy to play with basic pieces to create an innovative new ensemble. If you’re going to try a cut or style that’s new to you, choosing a classic hue, like black or white, will help ensure it’s still flattering—and easy to liven up with some fresh new accessories, like these cute, sparkling sneakers in a modern slate gray.

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Lauren Haslett writes “Goodwill Gems,” our weekly column about everything accessories here in A Good Look. She is a lover of fabulous fashion, a trained chef and a writer. Follow her on twitter.

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It’s hard to look good when it’s this hot. No matter how much effort you put in before you leave the house, the humidity makes your hair crazy (or completely flat) in minutes, and your makeup melts right off your face about five minutes after you apply it.

Need some fresh new footwear to get you through these sweltering summer months. Look no further—these cute cutout booties, spotted recently at a local Goodwill store—are the perfect way to give your worn-out summer wardrobe a serious style facelift.

In this weather, it makes sense to keep your beauty routine as simple and fresh-faced as possible. So, the only real room to play is with your wardrobe. Which is why I was so crazy-excited to find these fabulous, perfect-for-summer heels at my local Goodwill thrift shop this past week. The cool, laser-cut design and classic peep toe makes these adorable booties ideal for summer, spring, or early fall weather, and the distinctive detailing means they’re sure to catch a passerby’s eye. That fun, funky style, balanced by the traditional black leather material, means these stunning shoes are still easy to wear with just about any outfit, too.

Give sweet summer dresses some edge. Everyone loves a pretty summer sundress, but paired with equally girly, ladylike accessories, the overall look can become a bit too saccharine. So spruce up feminine florals and flowing dresses with a still-pretty but slightly edgier accessory, like this week’s find. These heels are definitely still feminine, so they won’t look out of place when paired with a super girly dress, but they’re not too over-the-top sugary-sweet. The black leather and chic cutout pattern give these shoes a funkier feel that will give your favorite hot-weather ensemble just the right amount of cool contrast.

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A new season means new shoes.

Right? Doesn’t every girl think like that? And this week’s gorgeous gem—a pair of stunning high-heeled sandals just right for spring and summer parties—is just the kind of shoe a lady needs to kick off the start of a new season and warmer weather.

This week, I was absolutely thrilled to find such a fabulous wardrobe addition at my local Goodwill thrift shop. Though sassy and statement-making, these sandals actually aren’t going to go out of style anytime soon. The light cork heel makes this footwear that’s totally appropriate for the hot summer months as well as spring, and also keeps them from feeling too over-the-top fancy to wear to everyday affairs. The small platform adds height without adding discomfort, and the cool metal detailing gives them a slightly edgy feel.

Go bold this season with fantastic footwear that’s ladylike, polished, and just a little daring—all at the same time.

Strut with confidence.

We’re not quite to summer yet, but the unexpectedly chilly days and rain shower of spring don’t have to stop you from creating a striking (and still seasonally appropriate) look. In the summer, these sweet shoes would add a bit of glam and funky fun to a floral sundress or other overly feminine piece from your closet. But right now, you can never go wrong with a pair of stretchy, figure-hugging black pants and a light, breezy, silky blouse in just about any color. It’s appropriate for just about any occasion and still warm enough, with a light jacket, to protect you from that sudden spring chill. It’s simple, easy to wear, and looks good on just about every body type—and with one pair of totally fabulous shoes, you’ll suddenly look polished and put together, just like that.

Classic pieces are the perfect style partners for a pair of lovely high-heeled, strappy sandals with a bit of a trendy edge.

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Lauren Haslett writes “Goodwill Gems,” our weekly column about everything accessories here in A Good Look. She is a lover of fabulous fashion, a trained chef and a writer. Follow her on twitter.

It’s time to wake up your wardrobe.

Bring energy back into old clothes and beloved vintage pieces with a brilliant accessory choice, like these attention-grabbing shoes spotted this week at my local Goodwill thrift shop.

These striped wedges are a little on the loud side, but in the best possible way. The graphic print contains a whole multitude of deep, flattering hues and a few strips of classic black to balance out all the brightness and provide much-needed contrast. The soft cloth upper and closed, rounded toe make these shoes suitable for just about any season – they’ll keep your feet warm in fall and early spring, when there’s still an icy chill in the air, but they’re also breathable enough to wear in the heart of summer.

Brilliant, graphic, and bold, these striking wedges are accessories worth grabbing to pair with all of your favorite spring and summer pieces.

With heels this daring, keeping the rest of your outfit simple is key.

For the rest of my ensemble here, I’ve chosen deep, more subdued hues, like the rich emerald green of this classic sweater. Long but slightly fitted, this sweater hugs curves in all the right places and manages to be flattering without being revealing or brash in any way. Simple gray pants – also form fitting, but not too terribly tight – make a solid base on which to build my surprisingly bold look. This outfit really is all about the shoes – the soft, solid colors and classic shapes make the perfect backdrop for this pair of brilliant, totally eye-catching shoes, which if paired with another print or super loud color choice, would probably feel a bit overwhelming rather than cool, fun, and carefree.

These shoes are the perfect thing to liven up an otherwise tired or basic winter ensemble, like this one, and give it a real burst of personality and fun flair.

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Lauren Haslett writes “Goodwill Gems,” our weekly column about everything accessories here in A Good Look. She is a lover of fabulous fashion, a trained chef and a writer. Follow her on twitter.

Spring usually means a flip to fresher, brighter colors.

And really, I’m all for that. But the impending arrival of a new, warmer season doesn’t mean you have to ditch your favorite cold-weather colors altogether. Especially in this period of transition between the harsh end of winter and the real start of milder days ahead, the perfect pieces can sometimes come in classic, wintry colors, but in fresh styles and silhouettes.

That’s why this week’s Goodwill gem is such a lovely find! These darling little wedges are made in a classic material – soft, supple leather – and in neutral hues of tan and black. Mixing the two tones together in one beautifully crafted shoe, however, looks incredibly modern, and will give a chic and sophisticated lift to any spring ensemble.

Understated and incredibly elegant, these neutral wedges in rich cognac and black leather will beautifully complement all of your new spring looks.

Think about spring!

We’re not quite there yet, but you can still start cleaning our your closet now and make room for gorgeous new seasonal pieces. These wedge sandals would be absolutely stunning with just about any spring or summer outfit you could think to put together – cropped pants and loose, airy blouse, or paired with a bright floral sundress and classic cardigan. You really can’t go wrong with a find like this one! But if you’re looking to stretch the wardrobe you already have and get more mileage out of your favorite pieces, then you could easily pop these shoes on with a simple and flattering dark sheath dress like this one – always appropriate for the office or for more fun events like drinks and dinners afterward, a sophisticated sheath like this one (also a thrift store purchase!) never goes out of style, and would look totally timeless and chic when paired with these elegant wedges.

A classy and refined accessory find – like this week’s gem – is such a steal because you can wear it with any number of outfits for years to come!

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Lauren Haslett writes “Goodwill Gems,” our weekly column about everything accessories here in A Good Look. She is a lover of fabulous fashion, a trained chef and a writer. Follow her on twitter.

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This winter seems never-ending right now.

It’s the end of February and we’re all longing for spring, but the snow and freezing temps just keep on coming. But that’s why I was so thrilled to spot this week’s find at my local Goodwill thrift shop! These brilliant green open-toed wedges are exactly what every girl should have in her closet come spring, and even if it’s still a little too chilly to wear them right this second, it’s never too early start dreaming about our new favorite spring outfits, right?

And with a cork bottom, just enough heel, and a textured, lime-colored upper, these shoes are perfect for carrying you through spring and all the way through the end of summer. These darling shoes are polished enough to wear to work, but fun enough to wear out wherever else you please, and the vibrant citrus color is sure to add a spark of freshness and energy to all of your warm weather looks.

In a practical, classic style but with a fresh pop of eye-catching color, these wedges will become your new favorite go-to shoe come spring.

Start the transition.

As soon as the shoe is off the ground, I’m all for packing away those big winter boots and bringing out all of those lighter and less constrictive shoes that have been hiding away for months. While these lovely lime-green heels would look adorable with a pretty, voluminous floral skirt or classic shirtdress once the temps start to rise, they’re also great for those in-between months – when winter hasn’t fully left us, but spring is clearly in the air. For those tricky months in between the seasons, try pairing these bright and happy shoes with warmer basics, like a neutral sweater with a less-than-full sleeve and a classic pair of navy trousers (really, the combo of deep, traditional navy and these zesty green is a fantastic one). Neither of the other pieces are as bold and bright as the wedges, but the neutral hues contrast with them beautifully, so they truly stand out and wake up an otherwise basic ensemble.

Liven up old wardrobe pieces and classic neutrals with one vividly colored and seriously perfect-for-spring shoe, like these lime-green wedges sure to give any outfit a major lift.

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Lauren Haslett writes “Goodwill Gems,” our weekly column about everything accessories here in A Good Look. She is a lover of fabulous fashion, a trained chef and a writer. Follow her on twitter.